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The Porcupine Health Unit is asking workplaces to butt out, and not just when it comes to nosy co-workers.

"The Back to Basics program deals with smoking in the workplace," said Leanna Bouffard, a tobacco enforcement officer with the health unit. "It is against the law to smoke in any workplace, and this includes offices, warehouse, garages, even vehicles."

Since the Smoke-Free Ontario Act came into effect in May 2006, public health units in Ontario have been enforcing the laws and educating communities about the specifics of the legislation.

"It's been more of a problem in work vehicles than anything else," said Bouffard. "A lot of people aren't aware of what exactly defines a workplace."

Bouffard said most people support the campaign, even calling in to make sure their "right to a smoke-free workplace" is met.

"Every month we have calls from employees and employers who are looking for support or enforcement to ensure that their rights are respected," she said. "We welcome these calls because it tells us that employers and employees understand their rights and that they want to protect their health."

Public health nurse Tina Brunet said that smoke-free workplaces help smokers to quit, as well as protecting the health of non-smokers.

"People tend not to smoke as much when they have to go outside to do it," said Brunet. "Also, when they're trying to quit, it's easier if they're not being bombarded by people smoking when they're trying to work."

Brunet said although health professionals saw a decrease in smoking with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, it has now reached a "plateau."

"I can tell you that Northern Ontario has the highest rate of youth smokers, meaning high school-aged kids, in the province," she said.

For people trying to quit smoking, the health unit offers support programs, such as their smoking-cessation clinics and one-on-one counselling.

"We offer nicotine replacement therapy at a reduced cost for people in our quit-smoking programs," said Brunet.

The health unit is also praising the Ontario Government for its recent legislation banning smoking in public parks and beaches.

"We even have a smoke-free sports and recreation program for youths," added Brunet.